Tonifying Shen-Yin and-Yang Principles in Treating Osteoporosis: All Roads Lead to Rome

Tonifying Shen strategy works as an important alternative and complementary method that is widely used to treat osteoporosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) based on the proper identification of Zheng. Shen deficiency Zheng is one of the main types of osteoporosis while Shen-Yin and-Yang deficiencies represent two basic principles/types of Shen deficiency. Currently, Tonifying Shen strategy, in particular, the Tonifying Shen-Yin and-Yang principles, has been demonstrated to exert osteoprotective effects. However, the mechanisms by which Tonifying Shen strategy and/or Tonifying Shen-Yin and-Yang principles function in treating osteoporosis are still not clearly understood. Here we first briefly explore current understanding of Tonifying Shen strategy, such as Tonifying Shen prescriptions, herbs, and effective components, in treating osteoporosis. Furthermore, the mechanism of Tonifying Shen-Yang principle in treating osteoporosis is reviewed from the clinic experience, animal, and mechanistic investigation. Moreover, the mechanisms by which Tonifying Shen-Yin principle in treating osteoporosis are established. Finally, we compare the similarity and difference between Tonifying Shen-Yang and-Yin principles in treating osteoporosis.Our findings indicate that both principles exert bone-protective effects in treating osteoporosis by simultaneously stimulating the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) into osteoblast and the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells(HSCs) into osteoclast. However,Tonifying Shen-Yin principle is in favor of increasing bone mineral density(BMD) while Tonifying Shen-Yang principle is in favor of osteoporosis-related syndromes. Our findings indicate that Tonifying Shen-Yin and-Yang principles not only share some similarity but also obtain some difference in treating osteoporosis.

Role of adult resident renal progenitor cells in tubular repair after acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury is a serious global health problem and determinant of morbidity and mortality. Recent advancements in the fi eld of stem cell research raise hopes for stem cell-based regenerative approaches to treat acute kidney diseases. In this review, the authors summarized the latest research advances of the adult resident renal progenitor cells（ARPCs） on kidney repair, the role of ARPCs on tubular regeneration after acute kidney injury, the current understanding of the mechanisms rela ted to ARPC activation and modulation, as well as the challenges that remain to be faced.